Port Ngqura creates jobs in E Cape

The Port of Ngqura is playing an important role in growing the economy and creating jobs in the Eastern Cape.

Speaking at the Ngqura Container Terminal’s 5th anniversary and expansion programme milestone, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown said the port managed to create over 800 permanent jobs in the province.

The Minister officially opened berths 3 and 4 at the Ngqura Container Terminal, marking a significant step in Transnet’s drive to expand capacity at the port, while confirming the company’s position as a leading and committed partner in the economic development of the province. Berths are where vessels dock.

The state-owned transport and logistics company invested in the building and deepening to 16 meters of the container terminal’s two additional berths and purchase of port equipment, including two megamax ship-to shore-cranes, 18 rubber tyred gantries, 48 haulers and 48 bathtub trailers at the port.

“I am pleased that the port has contributed towards job creation in the area of the Eastern Cape. To date, more than 825 permanent jobs have been created since the operationalisation of the port in October 2009,” explained the Minister.

She added that the creation of decent jobs was a priority of government.

Additionally, the port has also contributed towards the transformation of the economy.

“To date, the port’s procurement spend is recorded at R900 million of which R740 million is Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment spend,” said the Minister.

The transformation of the economy was also a top priority area for government.

“We cannot undermine our investment towards building and developing our black suppliers. The creation of strong black industrialists shall remain top of the agenda of our government,” she said.

The Minister also paid tribute to Transnet for its commitment to the port, which has also benefitted from being an Industrial Development Zone.

“It’s designation as a special economic zone has supported a broader-based industrialisation growth path in South Africa, while helping the country achieve the objectives as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP).

“I would like to congratulate Transnet for investing about R14 billion in building and developing the Port of Ngqura. This includes the latest investment of R2 billion…” she added.